civilized
adjective
civ·i·lized
ˈsi-və-ˌlīzd 
: characteristic of a state of civilization
civilized society
especially
: characterized by taste, refinement, or restraint
Examples of civilized in a Sentence
A civilized society must respond to crime with fairness and justice.
Stop yelling. We have to be more civilized about this.
Try to act like a civilized human being!
a civilized way to spend the evening
Recent Examples on the Web
But what civilized nation, confronted with hungry children, would not move to relieve that suffering?
—
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2025
The idea that a civilized nation must set aside a weapon that might help to end a war, especially against a fanatical enemy that shows few signs of moving toward a normal sort of surrender, is one that most Americans fighting World War II would have understandably rejected.
—Ross Douthat, Mercury News, 31 July 2025
This is far, far beneath the dignity of a civilized society.
—Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 12 July 2025
Honoring and showing gratitude to those who step up to help others regardless of their origins is one sign of a civilized society that recognizes the worth of all human beings.
—Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for civilized
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The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2025
The idea that a civilized nation must set aside a weapon that might help to end a war, especially against a fanatical enemy that shows few signs of moving toward a normal sort of surrender, is one that most Americans fighting World War II would have understandably rejected.
—Ross Douthat, Mercury News, 31 July 2025
This is far, far beneath the dignity of a civilized society.
—Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 12 July 2025
Honoring and showing gratitude to those who step up to help others regardless of their origins is one sign of a civilized society that recognizes the worth of all human beings.
—Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for civilized
Cite this Entry
“Civilized.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/civilized. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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